Mesijs - I couldn't disagree more.
Mesijs said:
Of course the setting is different but really doesn't feel that much different. It's not a feeling as different as Vice City compared to 3 managed to achieve for example. It's only a but sunnier (but that's also due to the amount of fog in part 1...) but doesn't give it another vibe in any way.
The big change in the setting is the addition of water, boats and oil rigs. That changes things up quite a bit IMO. Its also nice to see vibrant colors in contrast to the bleak as hell North Korean setting from the first game.
Mesijs said:
It just gives you more bullshit to worry about. Mercs2 shouldn't be a game AT ALL about resource management. It doesn't give a new dimension, it just adds needless bullshit. Its dumb to put resource management in your game when you want the player to blow everything up.
Scattering munitions and money around the map rewards exploration, which is a must in an open world game. It also saves you many and gives you access to airstrikes that wouldn't be otherwise available, especially if you've pissed off the faction that sells them.
Mesijs said:
It's not 'putting together your own team'. You just do missions and get some guys and keep on playing... The could have done the same without the team, it's just an excuse to limit you a bit and give you some more missions. It's not even a game mechanic.
This I agree with for the most part. But the crew missions are just there to ratchet up the scale.
Mesijs said:
The only real new thing is indeed the destroying of everything and I love it. But the factions just got other names (of course, no NK in Venezuela...) and the vehicles are just a quantity-wise thing.
Destruction was always there. I think the only real changes are that trees aren't indestructible anymore
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And now there are larger structures to blow up with even larger munitions. The vehicle choices DO matter though. Using a vehicle of the same faction as the one you're attacking gives you all kinds of benefits, from scouting, to surprise attacks to easy exfiltrations. Play some more co-op and you'll see the differences between each type of vehicle - some are better for solo play, others are better for co-op, some are more armored, can drive right up mountains, etc.
Mesijs said:
I really don't see them. The things you mention either add more of what was already in Mercs (like the resource management) or are just same things with new names or just some more... Just look at the gameplay, it's the same. If you compare it with the evolution that GTA makes every part, it's embarassing.
It does have new mechanics. Oil as a really destructive resource. Alarm systems, and reporting for backup - those are new. Also the outpost systems feels new anyway - but I'm not sure how new that really is. But since taking outposts not only changes the faction controlling the area, it also affects their opposition - what areas of the map are now mired in conflict, and which areas are closed off with barricades, mine fields and the like.
Mesijs said:
And don't say 'if it's not broken, don't fix it', because there are A LOT of things they could have improved, especially because it's a new generation of consoles.
Just about everything
was improved, but they did take a step back in controls. Dropping artillery was a lot easier in the first game - in part 2 you have to stand still, right on top of your target, bring up your support options and select it. All the while you're probably getting shot and/or rocketed. Worst change to the game imo.
But one last bit too that I still think everybody misses. You can just run around blowing everything sky high - but you can
also play the game tactically. Managing factions and being cost effective in your missions. Planning strategies with your co-op buddies. At least that how I play - its a great game for you to
find your own fun.